The Davis Cup Qualifiers tiebetween Belgium and Chile in Hasselt concluded with controversy! Zizou Bergs claimed two singles wins for the host nation, including the deciding against Cristian Garin on Sunday.
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The match drew many reactions and ended in chaos following an incident in the closing stages of the duel. Bergs grabbed a break in the 11th game of the decider and made a proper celebration of it. However, he ran and collided with Garin at the net.
The Belgianunintentionally hit the Chilean in the face with his shoulder and sent him to the ground. Garin received the medical timeout and wasvisibly frustrated with the outcome. Zizou apologized to Cristian instantly after having no intention of harming him.
Nicolas Jarry, Garin's teammate, took a fan's phone from the stands and showed the replay to his team onthe bench. It raised fury and frustration among the Chileans, whoshouted toward the Belgian bench, condemning Bergs' unsportsmanlike conduct.
Meanwhile, the chair umpire, Carlos Ramos,systematically penalized the Chilean team for the time Cristianwas taking to return to the court. Ramos issued awarning, a point penalty, and finally, a game penalty for Garin, allowing Bergs to claim the set 7-5 and push Belgium through.
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Zizou celebrated with his teammates and fans while Cristian headed to the locker room, mighty disappointed. The Belgian receiveda warning for unsportsmanlike conduct, but the Chilean requested more!
Garin protested to Ramos and highlightedthat it was unfair to continue playing under those circumstances, having taken a blow to the face. However, Zizou did not receive a default, and Belgium sealed the duel to advance.
The Belgians will travel to Australia in September, seeking a spot at the Davis Cup Finals.
